Instructure Launches Open Resource LTI App Catalog

LMS provider Instructure has launched EduAppCenter.com, an open resource Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) catalog that lets users incorporate more than 130 education apps into their own LMS or education environment.

Developed by the IMS Global Learning Consortium, LTI is a standard means of putting remotely hosted, third-party applications--like TED videos or Dropbox folders--onto online education platforms, like learning management systems. The apps in EduAppCenter.com integrate with most LMS vendors in higher ed, creating what the company calls "an open education technology ecosystem" for education.

"An open education technology ecosystem creates more opportunities for innovation to thrive," said Jared Stein, vice president of research and education at Instructure in a statement. "The new EduAppCenter.com website encourages startups and innovators to create apps that work across LMS providers. This means less time integrating one-off technology and more time designing tools and curriculum for new ways of learning."

The new site will replace edu-apps.org, which served as Instructure's first foray into providing vendor-neutral applications. According to the company, submissions to the app center are open.

Recently, Instructure is also announced improvements to the Canvas App Center, an app library that allows educators and students to install third-party apps in Canvas. New features for that service include an improved search with filtering options, whitelist management, and support for homegrown LTI apps. It will launch this summer.